In search of the Artistic Murals
and a visit to the "Orchidarium"
and a visit to the "Orchidarium"
Prologue:
The coastal town of Estepona, located in the western part of Málaga Province, has literally blossomed in the last decade. The streets are lined with trees and plants, the white washed walls are covered with flower pots, and the once empty walls of high buildings have been painted by various artists. In September 2012 the mayor of Estepona, Jose Maria Garcia Urbano gave the initiative to create a Route of Artistic Murals and now you can find 70 murals scattered throughout the town.
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| Echoes of the Sea, Ecos del Mar Pinsel Echevarría Mena |
On your walk through the town you can find other street art, some are in hidden squares, like the one of the Andalusians Garden of Poets "Jardín de las Poetas Andaluces" opened in 2017. It consists of 12 bronze busts on marble pillars and was created by the sculptor Elena Lunas. You also find some poetry written on tiles set into the wall for the public to read.
Throughout the town, in quiet corners, squares and roundabouts, you will find various sculptures. Estepona certainly invites the visitor to take a closer look.
Estepona has risen from a small fishing village into a beautiful modern town, and its history dates back to Neolithic times, as the "Dolmenes of Coromínas" bare witness to prehistoric activities in this area. Also various Roman excavations have been made in and around the town. Most probably the name Estepona derived from the Moorish "Astabbuna"
We must not forget the orchid house "Orchidarioum" a huge glass dome of 15.000 cubic meters of volume, which contains more than 5.000 tropical plants, of them are over 1.300 species of orchids from around the world. It is beautifully laid out with vertical gardens a pond and waterfalls, and especially the stunning 15 meter high waterfall which starts up every so often, and is not to be missed. A walkway was created to offer you a view of the botanical park from different angles. Certainly a place worth visiting and a calming and relaxing retreat. You find the "Orhidarium" orchid house between the Av. de los Reales and Calle Salvador Dali.
More information: Botanical-Orchid Park, Orchidarium, Estepona Tourism
Estepona certainly invites the visitor to take a closer look.
As we stepped around a corner we noticed a very pretty decorated house.
The so called Blue House, (Casa Azul) in Calle de los Reyes.
Some streets are quaint and full of charm.
Flowers everywhere!!
Buganvilla a climbing plant, cover arches and walls of houses.
Below are some of the murals we have come across.
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| 21st Century, Siglo XXI, Néstor Prada |
The mural "21st Century" by Néstor Prada created in 2013 and located in Plaza ABC. It captures the essence of Estepona and is a celebration of local culture and history. Prada's work is an example of how urban art is a way to connect people to their environment. If you look closer you can see various landmarks of Estepona in his murals.
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| Fishing Days, Dia de Pesca, Jóse Fernández Rios, 2017 |
The mural "Días de Pesca" Fishing Days quite incredible work created in 2014 by a local artist José Fernández Rios. It covers almost 1.000 square meters and occupies facades of six buildings. It is located in the Barriada Isabel Simón at the top of Calle de la Terraza.
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| Dia de Pesca, Jóse Fernández Rios, 2017 |
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| Momento Pasajero, Ángel Caballero Rioja |
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| Una Flor de Futuro, José Fernandez Rios |
The mural of the Flower of the Future can be seen in Barriada los Remedíos, inaugurated in Nov. 2013.
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| Simbiosis, José Fernández Ríos |
The artist José Fernández Ríos dedicated his work "Simbiosis" to the emblematic and unique Spanish fir of the Sierra Bermeja. The mural is found in Calle Conejera.
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| Nutrir Samantha Jordaan |
A tribute to Nature, by the artist Samantha Jordaan, July 2020, overlooking Calle Terraza
The mural to the right: La Cáida, Vyacheslav Guinn, the fall of autumn leaves and the change of season.
To the left: This mural is untitled, by artist El Chorro Arts, on top of Calle Terraza.
These were just a few of the murals we came across on our walk through the town of Estepona. You can find out more about the murals in Estepona.
Click link>> Ruta de Murals Estepona Tourism
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| Don Quijote en Guernica by Curro Leyton |
With this mural the artist commemorates the 80th anniversary painting of "Guernica" by Pablo Picasso and he unites it with Spain's most important icon "Don Quijote de la Mancha" by Miguel de Cervantes, in one single work. You find it in Calle Virgin de la Cabeza, Colegio María Espinosa.
Next on our way around town we went to the "Orchidarium" orchid house located between the Av. de los Reales and Calle Salvador Dali.
Entering the "Orchidarium" is like stepping into another world. It is beautifully laid out with vertical gardens a pond and waterfalls. A huge glass dome of 15.000 cubic meters of volume, which contains more than 5.000 tropical plants, of them are over 1.300 species of orchids from around the world. With every visit, you will find other plants in bloom.
It houses some of the marvels of nature.
Just captivating!!
The colours, the reflection of light!
All arranged by human hand for us to enjoy.
Day light entering through the huge glass dome.
From a balcony we observe the waterfalls across a small pond.
And suddenly, water is cascading down over a high pillar.
We are dwarfed amidst it all.
To round of a very interesting day we strolled down to the seafront.
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| El Faro de Punta Doncella, Lighthouse |
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| Lookout tower, Mirador del Carmen - Estepona Tourism |
El Mirador del Carmen with its 13 floors is an emblematic building. A social-cultural center designed by the Málaga born architect Salvador Moreno Peralta, a winner of the National Urban Planning Award. It first opened in March 2023.
The lookout tower is located at the western end of the seafront promenade, between the light house and the port.
It houses a large vertical library on eight floors, with study spaces, a music conservatory, an auditorium for cultural events, and a viewing platform on top of the building, where breath taking panoramic views of the Mediterranean coast and of the town can be enjoyed. On the 12th floor you find Cielo Skybar, an enclosed area where you can enjoy a drink and take in the views of Estepona's coastline.
A lift takes you to the viewpoint, (the price being 3€ and for registered residents 1€).
Opening hours 10:00 - 14:00.
More information: Tourism Delegation Estepona Tel. (+34) 952 80 20 02
On the top floors, panoramic views are breath taking and stunning at the same time.
Panoramic views of the Mediterranean coastline.
Photo above: Estepona's light house, the port and the bullring.
Photo below: A view inland over the city towards the Sierra Bermeja and Los Reales.
Looking a bit windswept, but enjoying every minute.
At these breath taking heights, we observed seagulls close up how they glided effortlessly through the air.
There is still so much more to see in Estepona and we shall return pronto!
Related links: Ruta de Murals, Estepona Tourism
Lookout tower, Mirador del Carmen - Estepona Tourism
More information: Tourism Delegation Estepona Tel. (+34) 952 80 20 02
